From Thessaloniki: Lake Kerkini, Boat Ride & Winery Day Tour

Contents hide

Discover the Charm of Lake Kerkini, with a Touch of Local Flavour

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into northern Greece’s scenic beauty and local traditions. From birdwatching on Lake Kerkini to sampling buffalo milk products and savoring wines in Serres, it’s a thoughtful blend of nature, cuisine, and culture.

What we love most: the breathtaking wetlands and birdlife, the delicious local cheeses and buffalo milk treats, and the chance to sample regional wines with food bites. The only thing to keep in mind is that the day involves quite a bit of driving (about 1.5 hours each way), so it’s best suited for those who enjoy scenic bus rides and outdoor activities.

This trip is perfect if you’re fond of nature experiences, want to explore beyond Thessaloniki, or enjoy tasting local produce and wines. It’s also a great choice for travelers looking for a small-group vibe, with a limit of six participants that ensures personalized attention.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

Nature & Wildlife: Experience the wetlands of Lake Kerkini with a guided boat cruise focusing on birdwatching and local fauna.
Authentic Local Flavours: Taste cheeses and products made from buffalo milk at a nearby pastry shop.
Wine & Food: Enjoy a guided tour and tasting at a family-run winery in Serres, paired with local delicacies.
Scenic Drive: Travel through the picturesque Serres region, passing olive groves, grapevines, and views of mountain ranges.
Small Group: Limited to six people, ensuring a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
Value-Driven Experience: Comprehensively combines nature, gastronomy, and culture in one day for a reasonable price.

Enjoy boat trips? More Central Macedonia water tours we've written about

An In-Depth Look at the Day Tour

Starting from Thessaloniki: Comfortable Pickup & Scenic Drive

The day begins with hotel pickup in Thessaloniki, which is included in the price. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned mini van, setting off for the Serres region. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, during which you’ll pass through lush agricultural landscapes dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and mountain views of Lailias and Belles. Reviewers mention that the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile—an easy, relaxed start to your adventure.

Lake Kerkini: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

The first major stop is Lake Kerkini, a renowned habitat for birdlife and wildlife. Once you arrive, you’ll meet local boatmen and set off on a 1.5-hour guided boat cruise across the wetlands. The boat ride is often praised for its peaceful atmosphere and the chance to see diverse bird species, including herons, pelicans, and eagles, depending on the season.

Guests have remarked that the guides are knowledgeable and eager to share insights about the area’s ecology. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guide explained the different bird calls and the history of the lake—it really made the experience come alive.” The boat cruise offers plenty of opportunities for photography and quiet moments soaking in the scenery.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Buffalo Milk Products: A Tasty Stop

After the boat trip, the tour makes a short 15-minute stop at a local pastry shop. Here, you can indulge in products made from buffalo’s milk, which are quite unique to this region. Think creamy cheeses, yogurt, and sweet treats that highlight the rich, slightly tangy flavor of buffalo milk.

Reviewers frequently mention the deliciousness of these products—many saying they had never tasted anything quite like the buffalo cheeses elsewhere. One guest shared, “The buffalo milk ice cream was creamy and unlike any other I’ve tried. It’s a must-try for food lovers.”

Interested in wine? More Central Macedonia vineyard visits we've reviewed

Serres Winery: A Taste of Local Wines

Next, the journey continues for about 25 minutes to a family-run winery located in the Serres rural area. Here, you’ll be welcomed into a cozy, authentic setting with a guided tour of the wine production process. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the insights into local winemaking traditions and the chance to sample several wines, paired with regional food bites.

Guests often praise the quality of the wines and the friendly atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “The wines were fantastic, especially the reds, and the host’s stories about the winery’s history added a personal touch.” The pairing of drinks with local delicacies enhances the tasting experience—think small plates of cheeses, cured meats, or local bread.

Wrapping Up & Return to Thessaloniki

After a 1.5-hour tasting session, the group boards the van for the return trip, which takes about an hour. Travelers often feel satisfied with the balance of activities—nature, food, and culture—all packed into one day.

Practical Details & Tips

The tour operates on specific starting times, so checking availability and scheduling in advance is wise. It’s designed for small groups, limited to 6 participants, which helps create a more intimate experience.

The cost of $451 for up to two people covers transportation, guided boat cruise, buffalo milk tasting, winery tour, and tastings, making it a solid value considering the variety of experiences packed in.

You’ll want to be prepared for some outdoor walking and boat riding. Comfortable shoes are essential, along with sun protection and a camera to capture the scenic moments. Since the tour involves some driving, it’s suitable for those comfortable with a bit of time on the road.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for nature lovers, especially birdwatchers, and for those eager to explore authentic regional flavors. It suits travelers who enjoy small-group environments and want a balanced mix of outdoor activity and culture. Foodies will appreciate the buffalo milk products and local wines, while adventure seekers will relish the boat cruise.

It’s a great option if you’re seeking a relaxing day outside Thessaloniki with plenty of opportunities to take photos, taste local delicacies, and learn about Greece’s regional diversity.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated taste of northern Greece’s natural beauty and culinary traditions. The boat ride at Lake Kerkini provides a peaceful, scenic escape filled with birdwatching opportunities, while the buffalo milk tasting introduces you to regional specialties you won’t find everywhere. The winery visit adds a personal, authentic touch to your wine experiences, with the chance to enjoy regional wines paired with local food.

The small group size and knowledgeable guides make for an intimate, engaging day. The trip’s balance of outdoor adventure, cultural insights, and flavorful tastings makes it a valuable experience—not just a sightseeing drive, but a genuine taste of Greece’s diverse landscape and local life.

If you’re after a day trip that combines nature, gastronomy, and scenic views with a relaxed pace, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who don’t mind a bit of driving and love discovering hidden local treasures away from busy tourist spots.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Thessaloniki, making it convenient to start your day without worries about transportation.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential, along with a sun hat, sunscreen, a camera, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during outdoor parts of the trip.

How long is the boat cruise?
The guided boat tour at Lake Kerkini lasts approximately 1.5 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the wetlands and birdwatching.

Can I expect to taste local cheeses?
Absolutely. The buffalo milk products tasting is a highlight, with cheeses, yogurt, and sweet treats made from buffalo milk.

What is the wine tasting like?
The wine tasting takes place at a family-run winery, focusing on regional wines paired with food bites. The hosts are friendly and share stories about their traditions.

Is this tour suitable for kids or those with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with back problems, mainly due to walking and boat riding. Kids might enjoy the outdoor aspects and tasting.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $451 for a group of up to two people, offering a comprehensive experience including all activities and transportation.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot online through the provided link, with options to pay later and flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

What makes this trip special compared to other day trips from Thessaloniki?
Its combination of scenic wetlands, authentic regional tastings, and an intimate small-group setting offers a more personalized and immersive experience than bigger tour options.

In summary, this day trip to Lake Kerkini, combining a boat cruise, buffalo milk treats, and wine tasting, offers an authentic slice of northern Greece’s natural and culinary landscape. Perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and those eager to explore beyond the city, it promises a memorable, flavorsome escape.